Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Xiamen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen?
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
-
Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $83Xiamen $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kuala Lumpur and Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $41Xiamen $31
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $82Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $7.21Xiamen $6.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$3.57
-
Metro Ride (for Two)$0.76
-
Short Taxi Ride$3.57
-
Taxi From Airport$21
-
Bus from Airport$1.90
-
Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $77
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
- VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $87
- VIP Departure Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $202
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $28
- Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
- Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
- Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $99
- Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $94
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen and Kuala Lumpur change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayKuala Lumpur $29Xiamen $46
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$9.51
-
Roti Bread$0.24
-
Food Court Lunch$3.42
-
Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
- Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
- Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
- Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $15Xiamen $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
KL Tower Admission (for Two)$11
-
Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.19
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $182
- Cameron Highland Day Tour From Kuala Lumpur By Group: $155
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
- Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
- KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
- KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
- Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $61
- Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $65
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day Family Tour With Aquaria KLCC : $105
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Petronas Twin Tower Tickets with City Tour: $80
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.58Xiamen $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$11
When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Xiamen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen?
Xiamen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen in the Summer?
Both Xiamen and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Xiamen. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen in the Autumn?
Both Xiamen and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Xiamen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Xiamen. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Xiamen. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Xiamen. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.